By Matt Youngfrau
MONTICELLO — October 29, 2002 – When New York State Governor George Pataki visited Sullivan County in mid-October, he stated his entire family was on the campaign trail attempting to win his third term in office. Jokingly, Pataki complained that one member of his family was slacking off on the campaign trail by only working four days a week. Pataki “thought” his 86-year-old mother, Margaret, should step up and work six days a week.
On Thursday, October 24, one of the Pataki family members hit the campaign trail in Sullivan County. Pataki’s 23-year-old daughter, Emily, spoke at the Neighborhood Facility in Monticello before approximately 60 senior citizens.
“The man you call governor I call Dad,” Pataki said. “I am the fourth generation to work the family farm. It gave me a tremendous sense of roots. I learned a real sense of community and awareness.”
Pataki started touring senior facilities on September 19. When she began, she was joined by her grandmother. Since then, Pataki has gone to senior facilities throughout the state to talk about her father’s record for the last two terms.
Before Pataki spoke, she was welcomed and introduced by Sullivan County District 6 Legislator Jodi Goodman. Goodman was representing the Legislature and the county Republican Party, and she presented Pataki with a gift basket put together by the Sullivan County Visitors Association. It included items created locally from such businesses as Ideal Snacks in Liberty and Leisure Time Ice in Kiamesha Lake.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to do this,” commented Goodman. “She [Pataki] stands in a class of her own.”
Pataki told the audience about some of her father’s accomplishments in office, including the School Tax Relief program (STAR) and the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance (EPIC) program.
“My dad has a solid record of hard work,” Pataki remarked. “But it’s not a perfect world. More needs to be done.”
Pataki received a warm reception from the crowd before heading off to speak at another senior citizen center.